The holiday season brings both joy and anxiety, as the anticipation of receiving a present sometimes overwhelms a child’s ability to enjoy the gift. Thus the popularity of unboxing videos, where kids (and sometimes big kids) can experience the anticipation and then a surprise reveal. A 6-year-old even has a YouTube channel with 17 million subscribers who watch young Ryan opening gifts.

While it seems odd that kids would like watching other children open presents, it makes sense. Young children are just starting to look forward to events and thrill in the buildup to the big day. The toy industry has tapped this with L.O.L. Surprise? dolls, who come in a sphere covered in seven layers of packaging.

For my son, the wrapping wasn’t as fun as the box sheathing an appliance Santa left one year. It provided hours of blissful discovery as it became a house with windows. So don’t sweat what’s inside the box — focus on the magic of the day.

Lois Kazakoff, deputy editorial page editor

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